Dubai's Must Try Corporate Foodie Experiences

Attend enough corporate events and you’ll be left in no doubt that history really does repeat itself – over and over again, which is great if you believe canapés to be a staple food group in themselves. However, it doesn’t have to be that way, as there are near endless options in Dubai for those looking to be a bit more creative with their party and take advantage of one of life’s winning combinations – food and drink. So whether you want to bring people together, or offer clients a refreshing change, here are some top experiences to take your event from same-same to the hottest ticket in town.

1) A Wine Tasting Challenge

This event was started by on Meetup eight years ago and now boasts more than 7,500 members. The wine tasting challenge features six mystery wines to taste and identify under the guidance of a professional sommelier. Best of all at only 200 AED per person, it’s quite the bargain and includes a great cheese spread as well.  

2) Dine Around Dubai

With so many new restaurants opening it’s tough to keep track, let alone eat in them all. However, with FooDiva’s Dine Around Dubai experience, you’re welcomed with champagne before taking each individual course at a different, glorious venue around the city. A tour costs 850 AED and includes transfers and a private sommelier to help you find the perfect pairing. Alternatively, you can book a private tour just for your group.  

3) Reif – The Experience

Reif Othman, the chef behind both Zuma and Play, takes the chef’s table to whole new heights with this lavish, 12-person, seven-course degustation menu held in an exclusive apartment overlooking the city. Reservations can be made at www.playrestaurants.com.  

4) Urban Paella

As well as showing you how to make the perfect paella, chef Luis Ezqueta, formerly of the Burj Khalifa, also showcases the incredible recipes of his native Cordoba, Spain, including slow-cooked oxtail, porcini mushrooms in smoked paprika and Piquillo Pepper with aged manchego – an experience made even more authentic by the hand-painted terracotta dishes he brings with him. Prices start at an amazing AED 600 per person, and you get to keep your paella pan.  

5) Barista Training at Raw Coffee

Once you’ve had good coffee there’s just no going back, and who better to guide you through the art and science behind the perfect brew than Dubai’s original, boutique coffee roasters – Raw. Popular courses include the Brewing Foundation for AED 1495 and the Home Barista training for AED 1050. Go to www.rawcoffeecompany.com for more details.  

6) Love cheese?

Jones the Grocer’s new master fromager left a successful career in finance to dedicate his life to all things tasty and smelly – knowledge he’s willing to pass on at a private tasting. Alternatively, if you want to discover what wine works best with your brie, blue or goats cheese you can also book a home wine and cheese experience with the Tasting Class and get free enrolment to the Jones’ Cheese Club included. Prices start at AED 210 per person.  

7) Romaine Van at The Chef’s Palette

Under the guidance of a Michelin Star experienced chef, you can learn to make just about anything imaginable at one of these state of the art, multi-station cooking classes, before enjoying the fruits of your labour alongside the perfect pour. Prices start at AED 350 per person.  

8) Frying Pan Adventure

There’s more to Dubai than skyscrapers and celebrity chefs and with a Frying Pan Adventure you explore the cities culinary roots, lesser known streets and under-the-radar restaurants, tasting plates of delicious local food along the way. Prices start from AED 360 per person with corporate bookings also available.   And finally –  

9) Wine and Food Experiences with the Tasting Class

Whether it’s a staff party with a difference or the ultimate treat for the wine lover in your life, The Tasting Class has got you covered. Try a wine or bubbles master-class, enjoy a tour through premium quality beers, or learn to pair the perfect wine with the perfect dish as you’re led through a sumptuous six-course degustation menu – all held in your own home or office and under the guidance of a world-class sommelier. Prices start at 150 AED per person. Find out more at www.thetastingclass.com  

Have we missed any of your favourite foodie experiences in Dubai? Let us know in the comments section.

   

The Wines we tasted